Brand New Bridal
Stuller has released its new Bridal 2025-2026 catalog! An excellent resource for both bridal classics and trends, this essential guide offers more than 700 new styles as well as expanded customization options, expanded educational tools, new sections, updated product details, and an overall streamlined shopping experience. stuller.com/bridalcatalog
Lab Language
Beginning later in 2025, GIA (Gemological Institute of America) will no longer use color and clarity nomenclature to describe laboratory-grown diamonds. The new GIA description system for lab-grown diamonds will instead confirm that the stone is lab-grown and categorize it as “premium” or “standard,” based on a combination of metrics related to color, clarity and finish. gia.edu
Get There With Sidecar
Jewelry industry veteran and brand development expert Manos Phoundoulakis has launched Sidecar750, a representation agency specializing in connecting independent jewelers with compelling fine jewelry and loose gemstone brands. Each company represented by Sidecar750 has a reputation for outstanding quality, creativity, and craftsmanship. sidecar750.com
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Spectrum Starts
The American Gemstone Trade Association Spectrum Awards are now accepting entries. Don’t miss your chance to enter this prestigious competition and win the recognition you deserve. The early bird deadline is Sept. 26 and the final deadline is Oct. 10. agta.org
Wonderful Workshops
Jewelers of America, the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace, has announced September and October 2025 learning workshops in Oklahoma, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Georgia. Events will cover AI and technology, social media, successful sales strategies, leveraging jewelry repair services, selling diamonds, the latest jewelry trends and more. jewelers.org
Exceeding Every Expectation: How Wilkerson Helped d’Original Jewelers Achieve an Outstanding Retirement Sale
When David Rees decided to retire after 34 years of serving Bellevue, Washington’s Eastside, he and his wife knew their exit from d’Original Jewelers needed to honor their decades-long commitment to customers while meeting their financial goals. Since opening in 1990, David had built a reputation as one of the area’s most trusted names for diamonds, custom jewelry, and repairs.
Understanding that a successful retirement sale requires more than just discounting merchandise, David chose Wilkerson to manage his transition. What impressed him most was their attention to detail, particularly in accounting and sales projections. The results far exceeded his expectations — the sale significantly outperformed projections, delivering exceptional financial results that surpassed his retirement goals.
“They were always there for support. If we needed anything, they were able to accomplish that,” David shares. For jewelers contemplating retirement, David’s experience demonstrates Wilkerson’s proven ability to deliver outstanding results while providing comprehensive support throughout the entire process. His recommendation? “100% yes.”
